[ effects of aqueous extracts of echium amoenum and citrus aurantiflia on blood pressure and heart rate before and after phynelephrine injection in rat]

Echium amoenum and Citrus aurantifolia are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia and regulation of blood pressure. In this study the effects of co-administration of these herbs on heart rate and blood pressure of rats before and after phynelephrine injection were investigated. Ten groups of rats respectively received 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg Echium Amoenum, 250 mg/kg Citrus Aurantiflia and combination of 250 mg/kg Citrus Aurantiflia with 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg Echium Amoenum for 6 days. Control group received water. Blood pressure and heart rate before and after phynelephrine injection were measured and compared among groups. Echium amotnum at 400 and 600 mg/kg dozes significantly increased blood pressure of rats in comparison to the control group [P<0.05] and this effect was more significant after phynelephrine injection [P<0.05]. Echium amoenum in combination whit citrus aurantiflia decreased heart rate after phynelephrine injection and also in comparison to the control group. This decreasing effect was more than the effect of 6.688 mg/kg phynelephrine [P<0.05]. Since Echium amoentum has an increasing effect on blood pressure especially in higher blood pressures, it is not suggested for those with hypertension. Co-administration of Echium amoentum and Citrus aurantiflia is recommended for decreasing heart rate

[ role of proinflammatory cytokines in mediation of brain antiedema effect of female sex steroids following traumatic brain injury]

Background and Aims: Release of proinflammatory cytokines after traumatic brain injury [TBI] is a major cause of brain edema. Previous studies demonstrated that sex steroids decrease brain edema induced by TBI. In this study changes of brain cytokines after the administration of estrogen and progesterone 24 hours after TBI were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Female rats were divided into 7 groups. Groups 1 and 2 were considered as control and sham respectively and other 5 groups underwent bilateral ovariectomy and considered as vehicle, physiologic does of estrogen [E1], pharmacologic dose of estrogen [E2], physiologic dose of progesterone [P1] and pharmacologic dose of progesterone [P2]. Vehicle and sexual steroid hormones were injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes after TBI. Moderate TBI was induced by Marmarou method. Neurologic scores [VCS] were evaluated immediately, 1 h, 4 h and 24 h after TBI. Brain level of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-, TGFestrogen and progesterone were measured 24 hours after TBI by ELISA method

Results: E1 and E2 groups showed respectively 27.5% and 27% decrease in brain level of IL-1 compared to vehicle. Brain level of IL-1 increased in vehicle group compared to sham. E1 and P1 groups showed respectively 47% and 20.5% decrease of brain IL-6 level compared to vehicle. Brain Level of TNF- increased 48.5% in E2 group compared to the vehicle group. Both estrogen and progesterone in physiologic and pharmacologic doses increased TGF-, but the highest increase of TGF- level was about 9.5 times and was observed in E1 group. Brain level of -Estradiol increased 1.8 times in E2 group and progesterone increased 1.84 times in P2 group compared to the vehicle group. Veterinary coma scale [VCS] increased in E1, E2, P1 and P2 group at 1 hour after TBI, whereas, 4 h after TBI only in E1 and P1 and 24 h after TBI, in E1, E2 and P1 groups VCS, showed increase

Conclusion: Neuroprotective effect of sex hormones in reducing cerebral edema is probably performed by decrease of brain level of IL-1 and IL-6 and increase of brain level of TNF- and TGF- after TBI. Ke

Neuroprotection effect of female sex steroids after traumatic brain injury in rats: the role of inflammatory cytokines

Previous studies have demonstrated estrogen and progesterone decrease brain edema induced by TBI. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of female sex steroids on cytokines, and proinflammatory evaluation of the effects of cerebral edema of these hormones whether ovarian hormones decrease brain edema by change in concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. In this experimental study, 98 ovariectomized female rats [except groups 1 and 2] were divided into groups of control, sham, vehicle, low does of estrogen [El], high dose of estrogen [E2], low dose of progesterone [PI] and high dose of progesterone [P2]. Vehicle and sexual steroid hormones were injected intraperitoneally at 0.5 h after Moderate and diffuse TBI induced by Marmarou method. Brain level of cytokines and ovarian hormones were measured 6 h after TBI by ELISA method. Both E2 and PI caused significant increase of 52.8% and 79.2% in brain level of IL-lp. P2 significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha by 45.9% and 72% respectively. TGF-beta level seem to be increased by El up to 3.37 times significantly. Level of beta-Estradiol increased 4.58 times in E2 group and progesterone increased 1.56 times in P2 group significantly. This results suggested that ovarian hormones increased brain IL-lp and TGF-P and decreased IL-6 and TNF-alpha, this may be one mechanism by which hormones reduce cerebral edema

effect of co-administration of aquous extract of bunium persicum and endurance training on plasma lipids in hypercholesterolemic male mice

The effect of endurance training on lipid profile and cardiovascular endurance in normal rat after Bunium Persicum Extract [BPE] administration has been previously investigated. In the present study, the effect of co-administration of endurance training and persicum extract on plasma lipid and lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemic male mice was examined. In this experimental study, 60 male mice were, randomly, divided into 4 groups: Vehicle, Endurance Training [ET], Bunium Persicum Extract Administer [BPEA] and ET-BPEA group. The Exercise protocol was performed at a speed of 18 m/min, 40 min/day, 5 day/week for 6-weeks. The Bunium Persicum Extract was also administered in the same period and the desired dose [0.8 mg] was reconstituted in 0.4 ml of distilled water. The amount of Triglyceride [TG], Total Cholesterol [TC], HDL-c, LDL-c and Body Weight were registered at the beginning and also at the end of the 6 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA method. The results indicated that the 6-week endurance training accompanied by Bunium Persicum aquous extract administration reduced TC [pretest; 297.7 +/- 37.08, post test; 146.1 +/- 30.8, p=0.019] and LDL-c concentrations [pretest; 151.8 +/- 14.4, post test; 0.12 +/- 8.7, p=0.00l]. On the other hand, Bunium Persicum aquous extract administration increased HDL-c concentration significantly [pretest; 75.9 +/- 12.1, post test; 119.9 +/- 17.9, p=0.003]. Furthermore, the results showed that body weight changes were not significant. These results suggest that co-administration of BPE and ET could significantly affect plasma lipid and lipoproteins. Therfore performing such program maybe useful for preventing cardiovascular diseases

[Effect of combined administration of estrogen and progesterone on brain edema and neurological outcome after traumatic brain injury in female rats]

Many studies have shown uncontrolled brain edema to be the cause of disabilities and deaths following head trauma. Current data also suggests that a single administration of estrogen or progesterone can have neuroprotective effects on brain injury. In this study we investigated the combined effect of estrogen and progesterone on brain edema and neurological outcomes following traumatic brain injury [TBI] in female rats This interventional-experimental study was performed on 8 groups of female rats as follows: 1- control, 2-Sham, 3-Ovarectomized trauma [TBI+OVX] 4-Vehicle 5-Physiologic dose of estrogen + physiologic dose of progesterone [E1+P1], 6- physiologic dose of estrogen+pharmacologic dose of progesterone [E1+P2] 7-Pharmacologic dose of estrogen+physiologic dose of progesterone [E2+P1] and 8-Pharmacologic dose of estrogen+pharmacologic dose of progesterone [E2+P2]. Hormones were injected i.p, half an hour after diffuse traumatic brain injury through marmarou model to 2 week old ovarectomized rats. Brain edema [via brain water content], blood-brain barrier permeability [via extra vascular evans blue dye] and neurological outcome [via veterinary coma scale] were measured in this animals The results showed significance decreases of 2.68% and 2.88% in water content in group 8 compared to the vehicle group and group 6 respectively and a significant decrease of 2.29% in water content in group 5 compared to group 6. Evans blue level showed significant decreases of 14.7% and 21.1% in groups 6 and 7 compared to the vehicle group. Neurological scores showed a significant increase of 2.5 and 2 in group 5 compared to the vehicle group and group 3, 1 hour after TBI respectively a significant increase was seen in all groups compared to group 3 at 4 and 24 hours after TBI. Scores showed a significant increase of 1.2 in groups 7 and 8 compared to the vehicle group at 24 hours following the TBI. Based on these results, it can be concluded that combined administration of estrogen and progesterone have beneficial effects on both the reduction of brain edema and the neurological outcomes, the improvement depending on what dose of estrogen is administered with progesterone

[Comparison of the effects of progesterone, allopregnanolone and gender on suppressing edema formation after traumatic brain injury in rats]

Brain edema is one of the most important causes of death within the first few days following head trauma. In this study we investigated the role of gender as well as the effects of progesterone and allopregnanolone one hour after diffuse traumatic brain injury on edema formation in rats. This interventional-experimental study was performed on 12 groups of female and male rats. They were divided into 12 groups as follows: 1 and 2: intact female and male rats, 3 and 4: trauma male and female rats, 5: vehicle of progesterone [benzyl alcohol with sesame oil], 6: sham [ovariectomized female rats: ovx], 7: sham [no ovx], 8: sham[male], 9 and 10: low dose [4mg/kg] and high dose [8mg/kg] of progesterone, 11: allopregnanolone and 12: vehicle of allopregnanolone [water]. Hormones were injected i. p one hour after diffuse traumatic brain injury through Marmarou model. The results showed a significant increase of 5.32 times in Evans blue and 2.42% in water content in trauma male group comparing to control groups, while in female rats the difference was significant just for Evans blue [4.68 times]. Evans blue and water content were also significantly greater in traumatic males than female rats [1.57 times and 2.04% respectively]. After injection of low and high doses of progesterone, there was a significant decrease in water content [2.21% and 2.30%] and Evans blue content [2.55 and 2.98 times]. Allopregnanolone significantly decreased these parameters [2.36% and 1.82 times respectively]. Moreover, the injection of progesterone in both low and high doses increased the serum progesterone of female ovarectomized rats as compared to vehicle group. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the rate of edema formation in traumatic male rats is higher compared to traumatic female rats. Moreover, both progesterone and allopregnanolone decrease edema formation in ovariectomized female rats

[ prevalence rate of congenital hypothyroidism in Kerman/Iran in 2005-2007]

Congenital hypothyroidism [C.H] is one of the most common infants' endocrine diseases and the cause of mental retardation in newborns. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of C.H and it's relation with neonatal's sex, birth weight and height and mothers' age, gestational age, parents' educational level, past medical history of thyroid disease in mother and family and consumption of Iodine salt by mother. A Total of 3000 neonates aged 2-5 days were screened from November 2005 to July 2006. Specimen collection and transportation to lab were performed according to NCCLS and Wisconsin newborn screening program guidelines. Thyroid stimulating Hormone [TSH] concentration in dried blood spot was determined quantitatively using ELISA technique. From 3000 neonates, 23 cases [0.8%] had TSH >/= 20 mIU/L that were recalled for verification of C.H. Of them, 13 cases [56%] were male and 10 cases [44%] were female. All of 23 infants were detected during 1-2 months after birth and 3 of them had serum TSH >/= 10 mIU/L. According to the protocol of kit they were considered as hypothyroidism cases and were referred for treatment. Considering the importance of congenital hypothyroidism in mental retardation, neonatal screening programs are of high importance. In this study, the prevalence of the disease was 1 in 1000 that is more than that in developed countries. Therefore, it should be considered as one of the hygienic priorities in our country

[ role of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis on anti-inflammatory effects of the trifluoperazine in male rats]

Previous studies, have been shown the anti-inflammatory effects of the trifluoperazine. The present study was performed to investigate the role of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis activity as a possible mechanism for these effects. This experimental study was carried out on 100 male rats. Inflammation was induced by intraplantar injection of 0.1 ml of 0.5% carrageenan solution in to the rat's left hind paw. Rats were divided randomly into three groups of control, the adrenalectomized [ADX] and the CRH antagonist receiving group. Adrenalectomy was performed bilaterally on the rats. The CRH antagonist at 20 micro g/rat was administered intraventriculary, and Trifluoperazine [0.2 and 8 mg/kg] was used intraperitoneally [i.p] on the rats. Four hours after injections, paw edema was assessed by calculating the volume changes and extravasations of Evans blue dye. Furthermore, the serum levels of prolactin and ACTH were measured. Both doses of trifluoperazine significantly reduced the paw volume and tissue content of Evans blue dye in the control and ADX rats. Therefore, the paw edema induced by carrageenan, was reduced in the control and ADX groups by 48% and 65%, and the tissue content of Evans blue dye was decreased by 60% and 20% respectively. In the CRH antagonist receiving rats, different doses of drug reduced the volume of inflamed paw by 50%. Adrenalectomy induced an increase in the ACTH level 9 times more than control and both doses of the trifluoperazine blocked this elevation by 82%. Adrenalectomy procedure had no significant influence on plasma level of prolactin. These results suggest that trifluoperazine may have an in-vivo anti-inflammatory effect on experimental model, which possibly is independent of HPA axis activity

[Introduce a model for diffuse brain injury in rats]

Diffuse brain injury occurs in nearly half of all severe of clinical traumatic brain injuries and has been associated with high mortality. Brain edema is a mortal pathological condition, which is commonly observed in diffuse brain trauma. In the current study, a new model producing diffuse brain injury, without focal brain lesions, was developed in rats, for first time in Iran. Diffuse brain trauma was produced in 45 male rats that they were divided into three groups; control, sham, and trauma group. Rats in two later groups underwent general anesthesia using a mixture of halothane, oxygen and nitrous oxide. A stainless steel disc [1cm in diameter] was firmly fixed to central portion of skull vault using dental acrylic. In the trauma group, a weight of 450g was allowed to drop from the 2m height onto the disc when trauma device was ready. All animal were mechanically ventilated during the treatment. In all groups, pathological studies and measurement of brain edema were performed at 24 hours following injury. Brain edema was evaluated by water content of brain and extravasation of Evans blue [E.B] dye. The results of present study indicated that this technique induces a diffuse brain injury in the rats, as it was shown by a siginificant increase of brain water content in the trauma group compared to the control and the sham groups [p<0.05]. In addition, the extravasation of E.B content was significantly more in the trauma group than other two groups [p<0.001]. Pathological examinations showed diffuse brain ischemia and brain edema as well. Taken overall, this technique is introduced as a successful and suitable model for studying neuronal and vascular changes associated with diffuse brain injuries

[Effect of oral administration of propylthiouracil during pregnancy and lactation in female rats on isolated aorta response in their adult male off springs]

Thyroid hormones have extensive effects on differentiation, development, and growth of different organs. Effect of the administration of PTU in pregnant and lactating rats on isolated aorta response of their adult off-springs has been investigated. Three groups of female rats were selected. In the first group, [fetal group], observation of vaginal plug after mating was considered as the first day of pregnancy, and then PTU was added to their drinking water until the end of gestational period. In the second group, PTU was added to the drinking water of female rats from the time of labor for 25 days postpartum, [neonatal group]. The third group was the control group which consumed only drinking water. In all three groups totalþ thyroxine [tT4], free thyroxine [fT4], total triiodothyronine [tT3], free triiodothyronine [fT3] and TSH were measured in the sera obtained from the mothers, immediately after discontinuing the drug. Levels of the above mentioned hormones, [except TSH], in fetal and neonatal groups were significantly lower than control group [p<0.05] TSH in fetal and neonatal groups was significantly higher than controls, [p<0.001]. After two months the adult off springs were anesthetized, dissected and isolated aorta response was examined against KCl and phenylephrine. Results of this study indicated that responsiveness of aorta in fetal group was significantly decreased compared to the control group [p<0.05], but neonatal group had no significant difference with the control group. Hypothyroidism in fetal period has significant effects on differentiation and development of vascular bed, [aorta], in a way that can be still observed during adulthood

Study of the effects of raw garlic consumption on the level of lipids and other blood biochemial factors in hyperlipidemic individuals

Hyperlipidemia is one of the famous disorders that can lead to atherosclerosis. Garlic has been considered as one of the blood lipids lowering agents for ages, and various studies have been carried out, some of them confirmed this effect of garlic and some did not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of raw garlic consumption on human blood biochemical factors in hyperlipidemic individuals. This clinical trial was conducted on 30 volunteer individuals with blood cholesterol higher than 245 mg/dl. Fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical tests. The volunteers consumed 5 g raw garlic twice a day for 42 days. Second fasting blood samples were collected and the individuals did not use any kind of garlic for next 42 days. After that, the third fasting blood samples were collected and the biochemical factors were measured. After 42 days of garlic consumption the mean of blood total cholesterol [p<0.001] triglycerides [p<0.01] and FBS [p<0.01] were reduced significantly, but HDL-C was increased [p<0.001] significantly. Following 42 days of no garlic consumption total cholesterol [p<0.001], triglycerides and FBS [p<0.05] were significantly increased and HDL-C [p<0.01] decreased. Garlic consumption alone can decrease serum lipids, but it cannot be used as the main therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia. Garlic can be used in mild hyperlipidemia or when the patients cannot tolerate the chemical drugs

effect of dietary ascorbic acid on wound healing in chronic diabetic rats

Vitamin C is constituent with antioxidant power, it was reported that increasing oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus associated with decreasing in collagen synthesis. This study was performed on the possible effect of dietary vitamin C supplementation on wound healing in chronic diabetic rats. This study was performed on 160 male rats. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin [S.C, 50mg/kg]. Animals were divided into 4 groups and then rats were remained diabetic for 8 weeks. Control group [I] received the vitamin C deficient diet. Prophylaxis group [II], received 250mg/kg vitamin C which was added to their drinking water, one month before induction of diabetes. Treatment group [III], received vitamin C [250mg/kg] one month after induction of diabetes. Combination group [IV] received the vitamin C one month before diabetes induction until wound healing. Wound was made on animals by a circular 3cm[2] full thickness incision on back, 8 weeks after diabetic induction. Surface density of blood vessels and epidermal layer, content of collagen and biochemical measurement of hydroxyproline at days 1,3,7, 11, 15 and 20 after operation were measured. The mean of surface density of blood vessels and epidermal layers of group II up to day 7 was more than all groups. Also, these mentioned indicators; in group I were more than groups III and IV during all days. The mean of collagen and hydroxyproline content in group I was more than all examined groups at days of 11. The result of group III was less than group IV during all days. This data suggest that, vitamin C supplementation as prophylaxis or combination in rats with chronic diabetic could impair wound healing

Ascorbic acid improves vascular permeability in experimental-induced diabetic rats

The most devastating manifestations of diabetes mellitus are vascular complications. Although there are many factors involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic vasculopathy, many studies suggest a role for glucose-induced oxidative stress. Studies in animal models, have demonstrated that the administration of antioxidants restores normal endothelial functions. The study was designed to examine the possible beneficial effects of ascorbic acid, which have antioxidant properties, on vascular permeability in the duodenum of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Female adult rats were divided into two control and three diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin [55 mg/kg, ip]. One control and two diabetic groups received ascorbic acid in drinking water [800 mg/kg]. Diabetic groups received ascorbic acid either as therapeutic for 4 weeks, starting after the induction of diabetes or as combination therapy for 8 weeks starting 3-4 weeks before the induction of diabetes. Vascular permeability was estimated by measuring the extravasations of Evans blue dye and water content of duodenal tissue. As compared to the control group, diabetic animals significantly increased both Evans blue extravasations and water content by 202%. Ascorbic acid, used as treatment or in combination therapy, similarly restored these two variables to normal level. The findings of this study suggest that ascorbic acid might have a role in restoring some dysfunctions of experimental diabetes

[The effect of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid on skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rat]

The potential role of omega - 3 [omega-3] and omega - 6[omega-6] fatty acids on wound healing is of interest and controversial. In the present study, the effect of dietary intake of fish oil [omega-3 diet] and corn oil [omega-6 diet] on skin wound healing has been investigated in rat. This experimental study was performed on four groups of male rats [one normal group and three diabetic groups]. Diabetes was induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. In diabetic groups, one group was control and received STZ alone, and the other two diabetic groups were respectively fed with oral Fish oil [Fo group] and corn oil [co group] from 4 weeks after the induction of diabetes till complete wound healing. All animals were wounded by a 4 cm vertical incision in the midline of dorsum 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Wound surface area, percentage of wound healing, vessels density, and epidermal growth were measured at various post-operated periods. The results showed that, surface area of wound in co group was less than that of FOtreated rats and control group at the 7[th] post - operative day. Moreover the percentage of wound healing in co group was 97% at the 20[th] day, while this parameter in FO group and control group were 66% and 71.3% respectively. Although vessels density and epidermal growth in control group were significantly less than those of normal group, no significant difference was found between both FO and CO groups with control group in this regard. Moreover, FO diet and CO diet had an inhibitory effect on increased plasma glucose in diabetic rats by 46.8% and 40.7% respectively. Diabetic rats demonstrated increased plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDLC levels, but this change was significantly decreased by both diets at the end of 7[th] week. FO and CO diets also caused an increase in plasma HDL level comparing to the control group. We concluded that, corn oil [omega-6 diet] supplementation can result in an acceleration of skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rats, but fish oil have no effect. These actions of corn oil may be mediated through changes in inflammatory or fibroplasias stages of wound response

[ effect of calcium channel blockers on experimental arthritis induced by complete ferund'sadjuvant injection in rat knee]

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of connective tissue that has affected 1% of human population. The role of calcium antagonists in acute inflammation has shown by previous studies. Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of verapamil and nifedipine[two calcium antagonists] on experimental arthritis induced by complete Ferund's adjuvant [CFA] in rat knee. This experimental study was carried out in 8 groups of adult male rats. In group 1 and 2 [CFA and control group], 0.2 ml of CFA or saline solution were injected respectively. Groups 3and 4 received 100 and 800micro g/kg nifedipine and groups 5 and 6 received the same doses of verapamil orally 7 days after injection of CFA till the end of study. Group 7 [solvent group] received dimethyl sulfoxide[DMSO] as same as groups 5 and 6 and group 8 received 15mg/kg ibuprofen daily from day 7th orally with gastrointestinal tube. The changes caused by chronic inflammation were evaluated by measurement the knee diameter and Evans blue [E.B] content through 28 through days of CFA injection.The finding of this study showed that on day 7th after CFA injection the knee diameter [13.1 +/- 0.2mm] increased significantly compared to the day zero [9.99 +/- 0.08 mm]. The increasing of diameter was significant till the end of study [day 28][p0.00]. DMSO failed to reduce the increased diameter induced by CFA but the high dose of nifedipine on day 14, 21 and 28 and its low dose only on day 28 reduced the increased diameter significantly [p<0.01]. The low dose of verapamil on days 14 and 28 and its high dose only on day 28 have had an inhibitory effect. Ibuprofen inhibited the increased diameter during all 28 days of study significantly [p<0.01]. The E.B content before the injection of CFA was 2.97 +/- 0.14micro g/l00mg tissue that increased significantly after injection of CFA. Whereas 7 days after CFA injection, E.B content was 12.37 +/- 0.7micro g/100mg tissue [p<0.001]. Either low or high dose of calcium channel blockers had significant inhibitory effect on E.B content on days 14, 21 and 28 p<0.001. The inhibitory effect of calcium channel blockers on E.B content was comparable to ibuprofen effect on the day 28.The findings of this study showed that nifedipine and verapamil can inhibit the experimental arthritis induced by CFA injection into the rat knee, by reducing the knee diameter and decrease the E.B content [albumin leakage]

effect of Nifedipine and Verapamil on vasculopathy in chronic experimental diabetic rats

Since in diabetes the permeability of vessels is impaired, therefore late onset complications of diabetes originated from vascular changes. Calcium plays a major role in inducing and starting process that cause vascular injury and increased permeability. The aim of this study was to indicate whether calcium channel blockers [nifedipine and verapamil] could prevent vascular permeability. In this experimental interventional study, male rats, divided into seven groups randomly. Diabetes induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. Vasculopathy was evaluated by extravasations of Evans blue dye and water content of tissue. Animals received 40 mg/kg of verapamil and 10 mg/kg of nifedipine orally daily. Results of this study showed that extravasations of Evans blue dye was increased significantly [P<0.001] in diabetic group compare to control group, while verapamil decreased extravasations of Evans blue significantly compare to diabetic control group [P<0.01], however nifedipine had no inhibitory effect an water content of tissues did not change significantly. The body weight of animals in diabetic group decreased significantly [p<0.05] at the end of experiment compare to the beginning of experiment, but verapamil and nifedipine have prevented the decrease of body weight in diabetic group. The results of this study suggest that using calcium channel blockers particularly verapamil can inhibit diabetic vasculopathy and prevent the body weight reduction effectively

[Measurement of the serum level of copper, molybdenum and lipids in personnel of copper complex of sarcheshmeh [Kerman]]

Background: Copper [Cu] and molybdenum [Mo] are among the essential trace elements and affect on lipids Metabolism

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of Cu and Mo and investigate the connection of these two trace elements and lipids concentration in SCC personnel

Methods: This was an analytical sectional study that was carried out on 3 groups of volunteers [40 in each group]. Group I [case group] consisted of the workers of molybdenum unit that were highly exposed to Cu and Mo. Group II includes the official employees of SCC. Group III, age matched adult men who were living in Rafsanjan city. Fasting blood samples of the volunteers were collected, then serums were separated and the concentration of Mo and Cu were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum cholesterol [Cho], HDL-C and LDL-C were measured in serum by autoanalyzer

Findings: The mean concentration of Mo was significantly higher in group I comparing with group II and III [P<0.001]. The average level of Cu had the same pattern as Mo, but the P value was different between group I and II [P<0.01]. Cho and LDL-C levels in group I were lower than those of group II and III [P<0.001]. while HDL-C was higher in group I than group II and III [P<0.001]

Conclusion: The results suggest that exposure to high amount of Mo and Cu decrease cho and LDL-C along with increasing the level of HDL-C Mo and Cu